Educational software features, functions, types

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Robert Johnston
Educational software features, functions, types

A educational software It is any type of computer program that has an educational purpose. There is a large number of them, being oriented to different levels of education, from elementary school children, through adolescents, to young university students..

By using these softwares the teacher can provide content to his students to reinforce the topics seen in class. You can even upload entire lessons for students to view from home..

Educational software can be used on different types of devices

On the other hand, some of these educational softwares have the possibility of being used to handle the information and data of the students in an orderly way. In addition, they can be in charge of carrying out coordination tasks between the different departments of an educational establishment, among other functions..

Article index

  • 1 Features of educational software
    • 1.1 They use computers
    • 1.2 Interaction
    • 1.3 Learning pace
    • 1.4 Ease of use
    • 1.5 Educational purposes
  • 2 Functions of educational software
    • 2.1 Informative
    • 2.2 Instructions
    • 2.3 Motivating
    • 2.4 Researcher
    • 2.5 Expressive
    • 2.6 Playful
    • 2.7 Innovative
  • 3 Types of educational software
    • 3.1 Authoring tools
    • 3.2 Desktop publishing software
    • 3.3 Graphics software
    • 3.4 Bibliographic reference managers
    • 3.5 Exercise and practice software
    • 3.6 Tutorial software
    • 3.7 Educational games
    • 3.8 Simulations
    • 3.9 Programs for special educational needs
    • 3.10 Mathematical problem solving program
    • 3.11 Utility softwares
  • 4 Advantages and disadvantages of educational software
    • 4.1 Advantages
    • 4.2 Disadvantages
  • 5 Examples of educational software
    • 5.1 Geogebra
    • 5.2 JClic
    • 5.3 Discards
    • 5.4 KTurtle
    • 5.5 eCollege
    • 5.6 BlackBoard
    • 5.7 EasyIEP
    • 5.8 EToys
    • 5.9 Very Educational
    • 5.10 Kahoot!
  • 6 References

Educational software features

Studying from home has become more common since the coronavirus pandemic

Although there is a large number of educational software, many of which are oriented to different activities, some of the most important characteristics that they share are the following:

They use computers

Generally, educational software is used through a computer, although lately they can be accessed using a tablet and smartphone.

Interaction

Interaction occurs, to a greater extent, between the student and the computer.

Learning pace

They allow the student to carry out the work at the time it deems convenient.

Easy to use

It is not necessary to have extensive computer knowledge to be able to work with this type of program. Generally, the program contains instructions for use to access it and navigate through it..

Didactic purposes

Educational software is created to meet teaching objectives.

Educational software features

Educational software enables students to learn more effectively

Some of the most common functions that can be found in educational software are the following:

Informative

One of the main functions of educational software is to deliver information to the student.

Instructive

They instruct and guide the student so that he can achieve the learning objectives set out in the course.

Motivating

Try to capture the attention of students through an attractive and easy to understand interface. This allows the student to focus on the objectives of the course.

Researcher

Some of the different types of these softwares, such as bibliographic references or simulators, among others, allow the student to investigate, or even experiment, on a particular topic to obtain the information they need..

Expressive

Some of these softwares, such as the graphic, allow the student to express himself creatively.

Playful

Many educational software, especially those aimed at children, present the possibility that the student can learn different types of content through a series of games..

Innovative

They try to face the educational process in a different way from the traditional one, using new technologies and modern educational approaches.

Types of educational software

The educational software is intended for use at home but also in institutions such as institutes, schools or universities

There is a large number of educational software that provides resources to teachers and students to use as teaching or study tools. Here are some of the different types of these programs.

Author tools

With the authoring tools you can make educational videos or slides

This type of program is a tool that allows teachers to create their own educational software. Through this software, a teacher can create multimedia content such as tutorials or lessons, so that the student can access them from their computer, tablet or cell phone.

The use of this type of authoring tool can occur in the event that, for example, a teacher creates a series of slides with the content of a class, so that the student can access them virtually.

The Adapt learning company offers this type of tool online and at no cost.

Desktop publishing software

Sports week brochure

Desktop publishing software is used to design and create newsletters, brochures and flyers.

This type of program can be used by the teacher to, for example, create a brochure that informs the parents of the students about a particular event that will take place at the school..

A program that allows you to carry out this type of task is Adobe InDesign.

Graphic software

A sample of an educational chart on prehistory

Basically, graphics software allows you to create and modify images and videos.

By using these programs, a student can, for example, present an online work for a subject, creating a presentation composed of a series of images and illustrations made by himself..

A program that can be used to perform this type of task is CorelDRAW.

Bibliographic references managers

These tools allow you to create reference lists of different articles, books or web pages, which can be stored, organized, modified and shared with other people..

A useful function for this tool occurs in the case of, for example, a teacher who gives study material to his students, in which he includes bibliographic citations, which he has loaded in the manager. In this way, students can access this information shared by the teacher.

Endnote is a bibliographic reference manager that allows you to do this type of task.

Exercise and practice software

A math exercise in English

This type of program is composed of a series of questions about mathematics, languages ​​or geography, among others, whose answers are given immediately. In this way, the student can reinforce their knowledge about a particular topic.

For example, a teacher can use this type of software to have his students perform mathematical exercises on a topic they have already studied. Thus, students can prepare for a future exam.

A page that has a large number of exercises on different topics, for different ages is Topmarks.

Tutorial software

Tutorial softwares are platforms where the teacher uploads complete lessons for students to study at their own pace.

These lessons have the necessary material for the student to study, along with explanations, which may be in video format, and exercises, so that the student can apply their knowledge.

An example where tutorial software is used is in the case of distance education. Here, students can access all study material, along with video tutorials and exercises, from a web page. Additionally, they can interact with their teachers and take their exams virtually.

One of the most popular tutorial software platforms is Moodle.

Educational games

Sample of educational language games

Educational game softwares combine learning and games on one platform. These types of software are geared towards children, as they can learn by playing.

For example, a 3-year-old can learn the letters of the alphabet, or numbers, as he interacts with the different games presented by these programs..

There are many pages of educational games on the web, one of these is ABC Tree.

Simulations

Simulation on vision

Simulation software allows students to see, and even interact in a virtual way, on some chemical, physical or any other type of process.

In this way, for example, a student can see how the state of the water changes, when it is at different temperatures, without having to perform the experiment physically.

A website that presents a large number of simulations is that of PhET.

Programs for special educational needs

Project Sample Follow Me

These types of programs are designed for students with special needs. They can have options for reading text aloud or text synthesizers, among others.

For example, using one of these applications, children with a mild degree of autism can enhance visual attention and begin to associate objects with their names, through drawings and videos.

One such program is Proyecto Sígueme, and it works on multiple devices..

Math problem solving program

Equations and graphs

This type of program is used to create mathematical problems. In this way, the teacher can strengthen the students' skills on some type of topic in particular..

For example, if the students have already studied the functions, the teacher can create a series of problems of this type and share them with the students so that they can have more preparation on the subject..

The Mathcha website has an editor of mathematical formulas that allows you to create content and share it.

Utility softwares

Survey results

The utility software helps the teacher to create questionnaires and tests, they can even take the grades of each student and their evolution.

For example, a teacher who has data for all students in the course loaded can create assessments and quizzes for students to answer. These results are automatically saved in the profile of each student, and the teacher can keep track of each one in a very easy and orderly way..

A platform that allows this type of process to be carried out is Gescola.

Advantages and disadvantages of educational software

Educational software has many advantages but also disadvantages

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of educational software are the following:

Advantage

  • They are easy to use.
  • They can reaffirm previously acquired knowledge.
  • Capture the student's attention easily.
  • Students learn in an easy, fun and comfortable way.

Disadvantages

  • They need a computer, tablet or cell phone, and internet access so that they can be used.
  • It may happen that the information found on the internet is false.
  • The quality of the content may not be controlled or supervised.
  • Student may have difficulty concentrating if distracted by web pages or applications.

Examples of educational software

Other educational softwares that can be found are the following:

Geogebra

It is a free virtual tool that allows you to perform mathematical, arithmetic and geometric calculations, among others.

JClic

Didactic exercise program aimed at primary and secondary school students.

Discards

It is a program that allows teachers to create mathematical functions or graphs, so that students interact with the variables and see the changes.

KTurtle

This program is used for students to learn some of the basics of programming.

eCollege

It is a platform that allows teachers to create, manage and evaluate students virtually. In addition, it provides support to students through a virtual classroom.

BlackBoard

It is another platform, similar to eCollege, in which you can create a virtual environment and use learning tools.

EasyIEP

It is a website with material for students with special needs.

EToys

It is an educational game software oriented to children.

Very educational

It is a website that contains free courses and classes of different subjects and for different levels.

Kahoot!

It is an application that allows you to create exams in the form of question and answer games.

References

  1.   Publishers of BRIM anti-bullying software. (2014). 11 Types of Education Software Available to Schools. Retrieved from antibullyingsoftware.com
  2. Editors of encyclopedia.com. (2020). Educational Software. Retrieved from encyclopedia.com
  3. Publishers of softwarepara.net. (2020). Educational Software: What is it, types and the most used in Education. Retrieved from softwarepara.net
  4. Majherová, J., Palásthy, H., & Gunčaga, J. (2014). Educational Software and Visualization in Teaching . Retrieved from researchgate.net
  5. Nagata, S. (2017). What You Need To Know About Educational Software. Retrieved from elearningindustry.com

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